117 

 SECUA NUT. 



Fevillia Cordlfolia (Ser.) Antidote Cacoon : Secua (Trd. Sp.) 

 Avilla (sp.) Nhaudiroba (? Port.) Liane a calebasse, a 

 savonette, Contre-poison (fr.) 



This plant is referred to in the last number of the Agri- 

 cultiiral Eecord by Mr. J. H. Hart, He says he was informed 

 by Mr. Syl. Devenish that the oil of the seeds preserved steel 

 from rusting and having tried it on some instruments found it 

 most effective. In writing that note Mr. Hart has not stated 

 the most valuable qualities of these nuts, not being perhaps 

 aware of them. 



Mr. Criiger stated that besides the rust preventing qualities 

 of the oil, that the seed in large doses was a drastic purgative. 

 Long says : " The seeds are largely impregnated with an oil 

 " Avhich is extracted by pressing, and burnt in lamps. The 

 " negroes burn the seeds themselves ; they fasten a number of 

 " them upon a skewer, and setting fire to the uppermost, it 

 " descends very gradually to the bottom. They are extremely 

 " bitter " (but less so than Cedron seeds)" and when grated and 

 " infused in rum or other spirits a small dose opens the body and 

 " provokes an appetite. The infusion is also made with 

 " Madeira Wine, and taken to relieve pains in the stomach. The 

 '' oil gives a fine clear light when burned in lamps, and emits 

 " no disagreeable smell.' 



" The kernel sliced and infused in rum with orange peel and 

 ■' a little wild Cinnamon, is an excellent hitter and opening 

 medicine Good in all cold poisons.'^ (Dancer). 



*' The seeds are said to be good for dropsy, swellings of the 

 '^ face, feet &c. The following is the receipt. Take 8, 10 of 

 '* the kernels, scrape and bruise them in a mortar : Put the same 

 " into a bottle pouring thereon a pint of old rum or brandy and 

 " a like quantity of water, let it remain in the rum for 2, 3 

 " days, shaking the bottle frequently. Take a wine-glass full 

 " every morning fasting, using moderate exercise before break- 

 "' fast." (Lunan). 



According to Renato De Grosourdy, the alcoholic tincture 

 of these seeds is the basis of a very effective Anti-Rheumatic 

 balsam, used in Puerto Rico. 



But by far, the most important, and interesting virtue of 

 these seeds is the fact that the infusion of them is an absolute 

 antidote to several of the most virulent obeah poisons, not 

 slighting the repute it is held in as an antidote to snake poisons. 



